The Great Ramshorn snail (Planorbarius corneus, formerly known as Planorbis corneus) is kept in aquaria and garden ponds since the beginning of the hobby. They grow to a relatively large size (maximum 4 cm) and do not touch living plants. They feed exclusively on algae and detritus. This snail has a red blood that contains hemoglobin. Thus albinos have a bright red body.
The wild type of the Great Ramshorn is imported each year from eastern Europe for pond keepers. Now and then these shipments contain also albinos.
Now breeders in Singapore were successful in breeding full red and blue sports of this snail. For the first time we are now able to offer these attractive animals.
Keeping and breeding of the Great Ramshorn is extremely easy. As they are hermaphrodites, two animals are in any case a pair. They breath through lungs and so at least a part of the oxygen they need is taken from the air. The maximum age they can reach is about 3 years, but in the wild only very few specimens get that old. The water temperature should be between 12 and 25°, hardness should be at least 10°KH (more is better), the pH can be between 6.5 and 8.5.
For our customers: the wild Great Ramshorn has code 879403, the bright red 486522, the blue one 486512 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale market.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
